Proposed GSA rule tackles electronic waste

Apr. 22, 2014 - 02:35PM
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Electronic waste (Courtesy of the General Services Administration)

Agencies would be prohibited from throwing out electronic waste in landfills, according to a proposed rule released by the General Services Administration April 22.

Computers, phones and monitors that would be thrown out would instead be sold or offered to other agencies or donated to schools, state and local governments or non-profits, according to GSA.

Agencies will also follow environmentally friendly electronic recycling standards and use certified recyclers to dispose of electronic waste.

Kevin Kampschroer, deputy senior sustainability officer at GSA, said in an April 22 blog the latest proposed rule is part of a larger federal effort to be a more responsible steward of electronic waste.

“The federal government has been taking steps to ensure that it is leading by example and becomes a more responsible user of electronics and directs items to certified e-waste recyclers,” he said.

The rule also proposes agencies submit more detailed data on all disposed electronics, which will be reported publicly on Data.gov.